Toxic and Immunotoxic Evaluation of Ketamine and/or Ethanol in Rats During 28 Days

Abstract

Objective: Studies have shown that ketamine (K) and ethanol (E) have immunomodulatory activity; however, few studies were performed with concomitant treatments. Thus, we evaluated the toxic and immunotoxic effects of this association.Methods: Wistar rats were distributed into four groups (n=8/group), each receiving one of the following treatments, for 28 d: K group (15 mg/kg of ketamine, intraperitoneally); E group [1.0 ml of ethanol 10% (approximately 0,08g/rat), gavage]; KE group, receiving both treatments; and Control (Co) group, receiving only vehicles. On day 29, animals were euthanized for biochemical, hematological, histopathological and immunological evaluation. Results:Although the experimental conditions did not elicit changes on immune parameters, some biochemical alterations were detected in the different groups. Even in the absence of nutritional and histopathological changes, or renal and hepatic markers that could indicate tissue damage, a reduction on alkaline phosphatase levels in rats from K and KE groups was observed. Moreover, changes in lipid markers [cholesterol, triglycerides and high-density lipoproteins (HDL)] were found in the different groups studied, suggesting that K and E could promote a synergic/antagonistic effect. Conclusion:In conclusion, despite biochemical alterations promoted by K and E, associated or not, the doses here employed did not promote immunotoxic effects on rats treated for 28 d. (response to the suggestion in the end of the paper).